Dannes is a coastal town of Pas-de-Calais, in the Hauts-de-France region, 13 km north of Le Touquet and 20 km south of Boulogne-sur-Mer.
The territory of the commune, vast of 10 km ², comprises two distinct parts. To the west, the beach, the dunes and the protected natural area of Mont Saint-Frieux, named after a hermit who settled there in the Middle Ages, and which rises to 160 m.
To the east, the village and an area of activity where quarries and cement factories were developed, this industry completing in the 19th century agriculture and fishing.
Already occupied during antiquity, former seigneury dependent on nearby strongholds, the town was the scene of a battle in 1546 between French and English horsemen during the occupation of Boulogne by Henry VIII. In the twentieth century, the beach was mined by the Germans who also built blockhouses to ward off an Allied landing.
At the heart of the Opal Coast, Dannes where there are about 1350 inhabitants is rich in a preserved historical and natural heritage. Near popular resorts, the town will delight tourists in search of recreation "nature".
In terms of architectural heritage, a visit to the church of St. Martin is required. Listed as a Historic Monument, it is of Gothic style and dates from the fourteenth century for its oldest parts, namely the vaulted stone nave, semicircular, and dimly lit, which gives the church a form of austerity. Also noteworthy is the 15th-century bell tower in the center, which suggests that soldiers could be installed there to watch for possible enemies. As for the choir, flamboyant style, it contrasts with the nave by the graceful and elevated form of its vault. Finally, note that the church houses statues, frescoes, and a reproduction of the "Holy Kinship" painting by the Spanish painter Murillo (XVII).
In another genre, on the site of Mont Saint-Frieux, the former hunting lodge turned into a castle in the eighteenth century, long owned by wealthy industrialists of the region, now houses the village hall and also the offices of public bodies.
However, it is its exceptional natural environment that will delight hikers and fans of ecology. The limestone slopes, covered with dunes and trees, around Mont Saint-Frieux, were acquired by the Conservatoire du Littoral. This protected area is famous for its species of flora and fauna (birds). Several communal paths (centered on the dunes or the Mount) and a circuit designed by the Eden 62 Joint Syndicate, in charge of the coastline, make it possible to traverse these tens of hectares in all peace of mind to apprehend its specificities and to benefit, in passing, of remarkable points of view from the summit of the Mount (one sees the English and Norman coasts in good weather). Maps and information on +33 3 21 32 13 74 and +33 3 21 99 95 95.
For leisure, the 3 km long beach is ideal for relaxation. Be careful however, swimming is not supervised. On the other hand, there are several establishments operating mussel piles.
In the village, moreover, a sports field allows to practice football, basketball and handball, a ground of petanque has been arranged and play areas and picnic on the square Jacques-Duron.
Last but not least, visit the Cement Museum on the first floor of the Town Hall, which traces the history of the local industry. Fossils found in the quarries, tools, photos and archives related to this part of the village's memory are exposed. Open every day except Sunday. Free entry. Information on +33 3 21 99 95 95.
